Mechanical Engineering: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Development of an Automated Process for the Design and Manufacture of a Vehicle Body Part

Funding providers: Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering and Edward Davies Commercials Ltd (MS-RT)

Subject areas: Engineering Design, Finite Element Analysis, CAD, CAM, AI

Project start date: 

• 1 July 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-June)
• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Project description: 

The project scope is to develop and automate the design and manufacture of vehicle body parts using the most advanced technology. Today the time we take to develop vehicle body parts is too long winded. Ordinarily the development and realisation of the design requires multiple iterations within CAD, FEA, and injection moulding software. Tooling and manufacturing of the moulds takes an extremely long time as they are CNC machined from block steel or aluminium and assembled. 

The project scope is: 

• To gain a deep understanding of each stage of the design, development, and manufacturing route.
• To innovate how we shorten each stage by systematically breaking down the processes into the constituent parts, to allow for a deep understanding, identify bottle necks and opportunities for improvement.
• To optimise strategies to ensure the most efficient process by using the latest technology. The development and use of AI algorithms will be paramount to ensuring success.
• To look for ways to automate the processes conducted in CAD, FEA, mould analyses and manufacturing.
• The objective of the project is that the entire process is realised virtually within software, with little to no engagement by the user, with the output being a tooling design ready for manufacturing and subsequently the injection moulded body part.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

We take iconic vehicles like the class-leading Ford Transit Custom and give it a sporting edge that’s unlike anything else on the road. Each model is hand-crafted and styled to turn heads. No other commercial vehicle has the pose and swagger to match an MS-RT.

With 40 years of motorsport experience behind us – including the World Rally Championship, Global Rallycross and GT3 Racing – the drive to be the best runs in our veins. 

MS-RT’s partnership with Ford allows all MS-RT models to be sold and serviced through the Ford franchised dealer network, providing all the benefits and assurances our customers expect when they invest in an MS-RT. 

Eligibility

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.

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